The Game Halo: Combat Evolved or Halo 1, or simply Halo, (referred to on the PC Platform as HPC) is a First Person Shooter, (FPS) Video Game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The first game of the Halo franchise, it was released on November 15, 2001 as a launch title for the Xbox Gaming System. Heralded as their Flagship Game, having the ability to quickly create or join a Multi-Player Game, (before the Xbox Live Service) using Local Ethernet or "System-Link" supporting a maximum of 16 players. This set-up was a first for a Console Game.

The popularity of Halo: Combat Evolved rapidly increased and Microsoft released versions of the game for Microsoft Windows (ported by Gearbox Software) and Mac OS X in 2003 both having the ability to quickly create or join an On-Line Multi-Player Game powered by Gamespy without subscription, (in addition to Playing Free LAN Based Games) which included Multi-Player Maps not in the original Xbox release.

Story Line:Halo is set in the Twenty-Sixth Century, with the Player assuming the role of the Master Chief, a Cybernetic-ally enhanced Super-Soldier. The player is accompanied by Cortana, an Artificial Intelligence who occupies the Master Chief's Neural Interface. Players battle various Aliens as they attempt to uncover the secrets of the eponymous Halo, a Ring-shaped Artificial World.

The game has been praised for elements such as its story, the variety of strategies players can employ, and its Multi-Player mode.

Huge Weapon Variety: Vanquish your enemies with a vast array of Human or Covenant weaponry ranging from the stealthy (semi-automatic Pistols and Needler guns) to the fierce (Rocket Launchers and Flame Throwers).

Vehicle and Foot-Based Action: Tackle Maps anyway you choose - be it storming an enemy base or taking the wheel or gunnery position of a variety of powerful vehicles. Vehicles range from stolen Covenant Flyers to Human Buggies and more.

Indoor and Outdoor Combat: Fight seamlessly in Halo's ultra-realistic indoor and outdoor environments as you hunt in a variety of Multiplayer battles.

Reality Bending Special Effects: Halo featured the most advanced graphic system on the most advanced gaming platform in the world when released. Gunfire rips off the screen, explosions light up a living room, and environments blur the line between your couch and fantasy.

Players enjoyed the Multi-Player capabilities native to Halo: Combat Evolved but soon they wanted more. Often Players "Modded" the Stock Maps. Although "Modded Maps" don't affect the ability for any Player to join Servers Hosting these variations, differences can only be seen by Players have the same "Mod". Modded Maps include hidden Teleporters, extra Platforms and additional Play Areas not normally accessible in the Stock Maps.

Important Update:You should update to the latest version (currently v1.10 which not only removes the need to have the Master Halo CD in the CD Drive to play (and allows you to join the ®ealworld Guild Servers, but furthermore this update redirects the In-Game Lobby (Server Browser List) to the New Master Server List (Hosted by Bungie) and is available here: